On April 19, 1775, Paul Revere sounded an alarm as 800 British Regulars marched upon the village of Concord to steal away cannon and stored arms. At a rude bridge arching the Concord River Colonial Minutemen faced off and fired the “shot heard ’round the world” that began the Revolutionary War. Each year, leading up to the anniversary, Concord once again fills with Patriot, Red Coats and the loud rumble of brass cannon for over a week of festivities, battle re-enactments, Colonial bivouac, demonstrations, parades and a Patriot’s Ball. This is an exciting time enjoyed by all ages.

http://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/events.htm

Summer/ School of Philosophy Conversational Series

The annual Conversational Series and Teacher Institute takes place in July at Bronson Alcott’s hillside Concord School of Philosophy, located on the grounds of Orchard House. In the summer of 1879 Bronson Alcott (father of Louisa May Alcott) realized a 40 year dream of opening a center for the exchange of philosophical, religious and literary ideas when he built his rustic Hillside Chapel lecture hall, that still draws distinguished presenters from around the world for lyceum-style exploration. The Orchard House, home of the Alcotts, opened as a private museum and interpretive center in July of 1913.

http://www.louisamayalcott.org

Fall/ Concord Festival of Authors

The preeminent annual literary event in the Boston area is held in Concord each Autumn. For Two weeks in October and November as many as 50 contemporary writers gather for public talks, readings, and discussions celebrating the written and the spoken word. The venues vary: breakfast panel discussions, large group readings, lectures and book-signings by many favorite wordsmiths.

http://concordfestivalofauthors.com/

Winter/ Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature

Returning to the Concord Museum for the month of December, the exhibition’s focus on children’s literature makes Family Trees unique among the many holiday events in Greater Boston. Featuring the work of more than 60 volunteer decorators from across the area, each tree’s décor is inspired by a different children’s book: classic and contemporary, familiar and little known, novels and chapter books. Each tree serves as a canvas for the artistic creations of a dedicated team of volunteer decorators. Inspired by the storyline, the illustrations, the characters or setting of a particular book, the decorators let their imaginations take flight, much to the delight of visitors of all ages from all over New England.

Join us for Patriot’s Day weekend as we celebrate the the begining of our War for Independance. Here in Concord the Patriot Minutemen first faced the British Regulars and fired the “Shot heard ’round the world” at the Old North Bridge. Come and re-live this exciting period of history. There will be many activities for all ages, in village and along the Battle Road of the National Park, including; battle reenactment, special events, a parade, and the popular Patriot Ball. See the scedule of events. http://www.nps.gov/mima/patriots-day.htm